wikiReplacing a Motherboard
This article explains what to consider when swapping a motherboard and how to proceed.
If you have questions about the replacement of your motherboard, please feel free to contact us.
What you'll need: Screwdriver, ESD protection, thermal grease, and paper towels. Optional side cutters and cable ties.
Complete all the preparations to begin the expansion of the motherboard. If necessary, remove the server from the rack and place it on a stable surface. Protect yourself and the device from electrostatic discharge (e.g. special gloves or grounding cable)!
Now you can open the cover. Some devices can be fixed with screws. We recommend that you take a picture or a sketch of the motherboard before you remove parts, so that later you are able to correctly connect everything.
First, remove any accessory boards ...
... and memory, and then unplug all cables.
Turn the plastic pins on the fan, take them out and remove the CPU-cooler/fan. Attention: only undo fasteners and screws on the cross, otherwise the CPU can become damaged! (Tip: For particularly large motherboards leave the radiator/fan mounted to make removing it from the chassis easier. )
Now loosen all the screws that are holding the motherboard in place.
Remove the motherboard by slightly lifting forward and place it on a soft surface, (e.g. a piece of foam).
When removing the CPU be very careful not to bend the pins!
Clean the CPU and reinstall it the same way in the new motherboard.
Close the plastic cover on the new motherboard, to prevent damage to the pins.
Now evenly spread thermal grease on the processor. Caution: Do not use too much, otherwise the thermal conductivity effect can be lost!
The motherboard can now be re-attached to the chassis and the CPU-cooler/fan can be mounted. Attach all components and cables as before. Use here the picture or sketch created initially as a guide.
Author: Dominik Hilpert
